How does design play a role in a carbon print reduction of a school

One of the most carbon efficient schools is the Sandal Magna Community Primary School in Wakefield, England. It has been created of truly unique architectural shapes, resulting in a special design. Having such a form, it blends in with the industrial surroundings and it also incorporates reclaimed materials, renewable energy and energy conservation.

There has been a Victorian school that couldn’t be repaired, and then the bricks of the old school have been used in this new green design as well. The majority of the school has been created from sustainable timber. Nonetheless there are some other parts of the old school as well that have been kept, such as the old school bell, telling the children that it’s time for school, just as it has been hundreds of years ago.

The eco friendly design comes with asymmetric roofs and so the ventilation and natural lighting can bring fresh air and sunlight into the classrooms. The designers of the school wanted the energy saving features to be visible for the children, so that they could learn from them. This is why the rainwater harvesting system and the natural ventilation system is visible at the building.

The green concept also includes the roofs being topped by photovoltaic solar paneling that offers power to the heat pump, heating water and taking care of the school’s temperature control.

The eco structures of the school also include a garden near the school that the students can use to harvest their fruits and vegetables. There are 210 students of the school under the age of 11, but the school has been built to be able to house up to 315 students. Besides the regular curriculum, students are learning about energy efficiency and to raise their own produce. Now this is something that every school could try.